For me, the fall and winter seasons have always rhymed with comforting foods like oatmeals, stews, soups, spiced cookies... However, this fall, I have discovered a new favourite: hot drinks.

Those who know me have probably heard of my love for coffee and tea. However, I was never really into other hot drinks until this year, until I suddently started craving them like never before. It all started with homemade chai lattes, moved to the delicious London fogs, which finally led to a growing love for hot chocolates (the decadent kind!).

All these drinks are not healthy per say, especially when you are not in control of the amounts of sugar added to them. Therefore, I started to look for a hot drink that would be packed with nutritional benefits, while still satisfying my craving for a rich, creamy, and flavourful beverage. That is how I found golden milk, which is a hot drink with the main ingredient being turmeric. Because of the presence of turmeric, this drink has countless benefits; it is known to:

My favourite version of the Golden Milk also includes ginger, which also has anti-inflammatory properties, helps lower blood sugar, and adds a lovely spicy taste to the drink. I also like to add some cinnamon and black pepper. I know this might sound weird, but when consuming turmeric, it is recommended to eat it along with black pepper to aid in its absorption and to benefit the most from its properties.

Cheers to the coming holiday season, which will be a more than perfect occasion to sip on our favourite hot drinks & hopefully this luxurious Golden Milk will become one of them.

Luxurious Spiced Vegan Golden Milk

1 cup of your favourite milk (I like to use a coconut milk)1/2 tsp turmeric1/4 tsp cinnamonA small piece of gingerPinch black pepperA few drops of vanilla extractSweetener of choice (optional, but recommended if you are using an unsweetened milk)A sprinkle of cinnamon for topping

INSTRUCTIONS

Mix all ingredients in a high speed blender until the ginger is well mixed in and no chunks remain.

Pour in a small saucepan and heat until warm - don't let it come to a boil.